Lexus has filed a trademark for the LS 500h in Europe, opening up speculation that the next-generation LS flagship will be getting a new hybrid powertrain. This is the second time Lexus has been linked to the 500h engine designation, as an LC 500h trademark was filed in various parts of the world late last year.

The 500h powertrain will almost certainly mean a new engine. Based on the existing lineup, the hybrid system adds one litre to the badge designation, meaning that either:

Lexus has developed a new 4.0L V6 or V8 and paired it to the current hybrid system.

There’s a next-generation hybrid system that generates the equivalent of 1.5-litre of displacement, and the engine remains the 3.5L V6 engine.